There comes a time (multiple times, actually) in every do-gooder's life when she has to decide where she'll have the most positive impact. I'm currently at one of those cross roads. The question at hand? Should I go back inside of an organization to work, or should I continue collaborating with organizations from the outside? Of course, there is always the option to work part-time in an organization and consult part-time. Those opportunities are harder to come by.
As I've described before, I didn't come to this work, this work chose me. I've never, not even for a moment, considered employment options outside of social justice work. I know the ins and outs of online job and project boards such as idealist.org and charityvillage.com, but I couldn't tell you how to go about getting a job in a non social-mission field. So, really, I'm at a loss for other options where my impact could be significant. Sure, I can start my own social mission business, but I've always loved working in collaboration with others to set agendas and move important community ideas forward.
I've noticed that I now have a community of readers for my professional blog (this blog), as well as my intellectual-development blog, Folks Gotta Eat. So, I'm asking for your feedback. Send me a private message through the contact form with your advice. Do I stay outside of organizations, or find the right leadership position back inside of the beast?
You are the type of person who probably will never be satisfied being just a cog in a machine. I would suggest that you start your own. Though these things can take time you may want to temporarily start working in one position or the other with the intention of starting your own shop in the future.
Thanks so much for that comment.
You know, I've really struggled with the "starting my own project" thing. The problem is, every time I have an idea, I can see many other wonderful projects working on the same thing. I find myself wanting to help those projects be more strategic and get the job done instead of building yet another organization or project. It's not that I lack entrepreneurial sensibilities, but that I have too many strategic sensibilities. I can put my ego aside to affect the positive change.
You're completely right that I cannot be a cog in the machine.